Breath training device and a method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A breath training device to assist a user in conscious breathing and breathing exercises. The device includes a vibratory motor that can generate vibration pulses at predefined intervals that corresponds to the vibration rhythm pattern set by the user. The user can coordinate the breathing based on the vibration pulses. A timing circuitry to close the device after a predefined duration can also be provided. The device is customizable, wherein the vibration rhythm pattern, intensity of vibration pulses, and predefined duration can be modified.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from a U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 63/330,222 filed on Apr. 12, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device to assist in a breathing exercise, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a breath training device and a method of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

Breathing is essential but how a person breathes is also important for the overall well-being of an individual. Conscious breathing is becoming popular for many reasons including correcting breathing habits. People may develop bad or unhealthy breathing habits. A sedentary lifestyle may also be responsible for bad breathing habits. Conscious breathing helps a person understand their present breathing habits and the correct breathing habits. Breathing exercises are also used to strengthen and open the respiratory system.

The advantages of conscious breathing are manifold; however, people often find it difficult to remain focused for longer durations. Learning to concentrate on breathing is particularly difficult for beginners who easily get distracted in a brief time.

A need is therefore appreciated for a device that can assist people in conscious breathing exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The principal object of the present invention is therefore directed to a device and method for breath training that assists a person to have conscious breathing for a longer duration.

It is another object of the present invention that the device assists a person in breathing exercises.

It is still another object of the present invention that the device is easy to use.

It is yet another object of the present invention that the device is customizable according to the needs of a user.

In one aspect, disclosed are a breath training device and a method for breath training. The device comprising a housing; a vibratory motor for generating vibrations, the vibratory motor encased within the housing; a controller and a memory encased within the housing, wherein the controller is configured to receive one or more profiles and store the one or more profiles in the memory, wherein each of the one or more profiles comprises a vibration rhythm pattern, intensity of vibration, and a duration for breath training, and operate the vibratory motor based on an active profile of the one or more profiles, wherein the vibratory motor generates vibration pulses at predefined intervals based on the vibration rhythm pattern of the active profile; an up button and a down button protrude from the housing and are operably coupled to the controller, wherein the up button and the down button are configured to modify the active profile of the one or more profiles; and a battery encased within the housing.

In one aspect, the device further comprises a network circuitry for connecting to a network, wherein the controller is configured to connect to an external device through the network; and receive a profile of the one or more profiles from the external device. The network is a Bluetooth network, and the external device is a smartphone.

In one aspect, the device further comprises a timing circuitry encased within the housing and operably coupled to the controller, wherein the timing circuitry is configured to turn off the device based on the duration for breath training of the active profile. The device further comprises a charging circuitry encased within the housing and configured to charge the battery. The device further comprises a mod button protruding from the housing and operably coupled to the housing, wherein the mod button is configured to modify the intensity of vibration of the active profile.

In one aspect, the method comprises providing an interface on the external device; and generating the profile of the one or more profiles through the interface. The method further comprises pressing the mod button; and upon pressing the mod button, pressing the up button and/or the down button for modifying the intensity of vibration of the active profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the breath training device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the breath training device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the architecture of the breath training device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as apparatus and methods of use thereof. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

The terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely to illustrate the general principles of the invention since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

The following detailed description is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details may be set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatus are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the subject innovation. Moreover, the drawings may not be to scale.

Disclosed is a breath training device that allows users to have nearly complete control over the rhythm of their respiration. The disclosed device helps a user to concentrate on breathing for a longer duration. The disclosed device can work as an external aid coordinated with the breathing exercises. The disclosed device can be easily adapted to the needs and evolving needs of a user. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 which show an exemplary embodiment of the breath training device 100 and FIG. 3 which shows the architecture of the disclosed device 100. Device 100 includes a vibratory motor 210 that can provide vibrations, wherein the vibrations can be transferred to the user wearing the disclosed device 100. The user can feel the vibration, wherein the vibration is for a short duration and acts as a stimulus or signal to the user. The user can match the breathing to the vibrations, wherein the vibration pattern can correspond to a breathing exercise or desired breathing pattern. The device 100 can include an up button 110 to increase the interval between vibrations generated by the disclosed device. Another down button 120 can be used to decrease the duration between two successive vibrations. The user can manually set the desired duration. For example, faster breathing can increase the respiration rate and slower breathing can help the user calm.

The disclosed device 100 can further include a timing circuitry 220 which can be manually set to desired duration by the user. For example, the user can begin by pressing the on button/power button 130 on the device 100 and the timing circuitry 220 can turn off the device 100 after the preset duration, such as after 20 min. This preset duration can be edited at any time and gets saved in the memory 250 of the disclosed device 100. The preset duration is automatically applied when the device is turned on, thus no need to reset the timing circuitry every time the device is turned on. The duration between the vibrations i.e., the vibration pattern can also be saved in the memory. For example, turning on the device starts a 20-minute custom-timed exercise. The device will vibrate once per second for 20 minutes and then shut off unless the user begins clicking the up button to increase the time between vibrations.

To set the rhythm interval settings i.e., duration between vibrations, the user can keep increasing or decreasing the duration by using the up and down buttons till the user finds the desired interval setting to relax and breathe along with the vibration.

Referring to FIG. 1 which shows a mod button 140. The mod button can be used for adjusting the intensity of vibrations. The user can adjust the intensity of vibrations according to their needs and desire. For example, by pressing the mod button, the device enters the power adjustment setting. The user can then use the up 110 and down 120 buttons to increase or decrease the intensity of vibrations, respectively. By pressing the mod button again, the device exits from the power adjustment setting, and the up and down buttons can be used to set the rhythm intervals. In certain implementations, pressing and holding the mod button at least for a preset duration can cause the device to enter a pairing mode. The disclosed device can connect to an external device 270, such as a smartphone, as shown in FIG. 3 . The disclosed device 100 can connect to external devices 270 over a network 260, such as a Bluetooth network.

The rhythm interval setting can be a custom-timed vibration setting that a user establishes by clicking the power button twice. The time between clicks will repeat until the countdown timer runs out. This will allow the user to match the device's vibration with the beat of a song they are listening to.

The disclosed device 100 includes a housing 160 of a compact shape, preferably thinner in profile. The housing allows the device to be fastened to a supporting surface. For example, a clip can be provided coupled to the rear face of the housing and the device can be clipped to a shirt of the user. Thus, the disclosed device can be worn by the user in a variety of ways. The housing can encase different components of the disclosed device. The housing can be made sealable to prevent the ingress of water, moisture, dust, and the like contaminants. Moreover, the disclosed device can be made shockproof.

The disclosed device can also include a string fastened to the housing, wherein the device through the string can be worn on the neck by the user. The housing can include a suitable hole 170 through which the string can pass through. Another hole can be provided on the bottom, wherein the top hole and the bottom hole can be for a strap. For example, two holes can be provided in the housing, one for the adjustable necklace string and the buttonhole for an adjustable chest strap. The user can wear the disclosed device in diverse ways depending upon the need, such as during meditation or physical exercise. There may also be keychain attachments which will attach at the top hole and wrist attachments the device can click into.

The disclosed device 100 can be powered by a battery also encased within the housing. The battery can be a rechargeable battery or a disposal battery. Example of the rechargeable battery includes lithium-ion batteries. In case a rechargeable battery is used, suitable charging circuitry 250 can also be provided encased with the housing for charging the battery. The charging circuitry can connect to the external power supply through a charging interface. For example, a USB port 150 can protrude from the housing which can connect a connector of a power supply, such as an ac to dc adaptor. Technologies of wireless charging can also be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, the rechargeable battery can be removable from the housing for charging externally.

The disclosed device can be configured through an external device, such as a smartphone, laptop, and the like. The disclosed device can connect with the external device through a network. The network can be a wired connection, a wireless network, or a combination of a wired network and a wireless network. Examples of the network include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the like. The disclosed device can also send diagnostic information to the external device for troubleshooting.

The external device can be provided with an interface for interacting with the disclosed device. The interface can be provided as application software that can be installed on an external device. The application software can be developed for Android™, iOS, and any other known operating platform for mobile devices. The application software can be made available through a distribution service provider, for example, Google Play™ operated and developed by Google, and the app store by Apple. In addition to the application software, a website-based interface can also be provided through the world-wide-web. The application software can also be provided for the desktop environment, such as Windows™, Linux, and macOS. The interface may permit the user to interact with the disclosed device using the external device, wherein information can be presented within the interface by the disclosed device and information can be received by the disclosed device from the user.

Through the interface, the user set or modify different settings including the timer, rhythm interval, intensity of the vibrations, and the like. The device 100 can include a controller 230 that can process various instructions for performing one or more steps/functions of the disclosed device. a network circuitry 240 can connect to network 260, such as providing Bluetooth pairing.

Different settings can be saved as profiles, and the user can switch between different profiles at any time. For example, a profile to calm the user and another profile to strengthen the respiratory system. In certain implementations, the rhythm interval may be constant during the predefined period. Alternatively, the rhythm pattern may vary during the predefined period, such as 2 seconds for the first 3 min followed by 1 sec for the next 5 min, and so on. The disclosed device can download any selected profile from the external device and save the same. The interface can provide different exercises for the user to select from. The interface can provide step-by-step instructions which the user can follow assisted by the rhythm pattern corresponding to the exercise. In some implementations, the user can be presented with step-by-step instructions on the interface while the device can help the user with breathing patterns, wherein the device and the external device can synchronously work.

Suitable examples of predefined profiles include “quick c” that has interval setting 4, power setting medium, time setting 5 minutes; “morning energy” having interval setting 2, power setting strong, time setting 6; “entering meditation” having interval setting 4 for 2 minutes, then interval setting 5 for 2 minutes, then interval setting 6 for 2 minutes, then interval 7 for 5 minutes, all power setting medium.

In certain implementations, the disclosed device can generate logs while exercising. The pattern defined can be recorded in the log. The log can be saved locally and when the disclosed device connects to the external device, the log can be presented through the interface. Through the interface, the log can be analyzed, and notes can be added to the log. The log can be processed in the form of a report which can be shared with others, such as a therapist or another healthcare practitioner. The report can be shared in electronic formats, such as PDF or printed form can be shared.

The disclosed device can also be provided with a focus button. The focus button can be a hard button that can be pressed. Alternatively, the focus button can be a soft button that can sense the touch. The user may record the instances when the user is distracted or lose focus. For example, every time the user losses focus, the user can press the focus button to log the instance, wherein the instance is visible in the corresponding log generated.

The disclosed device is particularly advantageous because of the flexibility of adjusting different settings including rhythm, intensity, and duration. Physical buttons can be provided that are tactile and there is no screen required to navigate essential device functions. The disclosed device is very versatile in use, wherein the user can wear the disclosed device as a pendant, hand band, chest strap, and the like. The different buttons on the disclosed device can be within reach of the user. The disclosed device can be customized in a variety of ways based on the type of workout the user desire to perform. The provision of a clip allows the device to be attached to a shirt collar, bra strap, pant waist, or even allow for a custom chest strap so the device stays touching the body even when exercising.

The physical buttons are tactically positioned around the housing so that the user can operate the desired button while eyes are closed, or the device is under the shirt.

In certain implementations, several predefined profiles or breathing patterns can be stored and the user can navigate through these breathing patterns. Suitable examples of breathing patterns include Circular breath, inhale-exhale, 1-10 seconds intervals; Triangular breath, inhale-hold-exhale, 1-10 seconds intervals; Inverted Triangle Breath, inhale-exhale-hold, 1-10 second intervals; Square breath, inhale-hold-exhale-hold, 1-10 seconds intervals; Rectangular breath, inhale-hold-hold-exhale, 1-10 second intervals.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for breath training, the device comprises: a housing; a vibratory motor for generating vibrations, the vibratory motor encased within the housing; a controller and a memory encased within the housing, wherein the controller is configured to: receive one or more profiles and store the one or more profiles in the memory, wherein each of the one or more profiles comprises a vibration rhythm pattern, intensity of vibration, and a duration for breath training, and operate the vibratory motor based on an active profile of the one or more profiles, wherein the vibratory motor generates vibration pulses at predefined intervals based on the vibration rhythm pattern of the active profile; an up button and a down button protrude from the housing and are operably coupled to the controller, wherein the up button and the down button are configured to modify the active profile of the one or more profiles; and a battery encased within the housing.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises: a network circuitry for connecting to a network, wherein the controller is configured to: connect to an external device through the network; and receive a profile of the one or more profiles from the external device.
 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the network is a Bluetooth network, and the external device is a smartphone.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises: a timing circuitry encased within the housing and operably coupled to the controller, wherein the timing circuitry is configured to turn off the device based on the duration for breath training of the active profile.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises: a charging circuitry encased within the housing and configured to charge the battery.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises: a mod button protruding from the housing and operably coupled to the housing, wherein the mod button is configured to modify the intensity of vibration of the active profile.
 7. A method for breath training, the method comprises: providing a device comprising: a housing, a vibratory motor for generating vibrations, the vibratory motor encased within the housing, a controller and a memory encased within the housing, wherein the controller is configured to: receive one or more profiles and store the one or more profiles in the memory, wherein each of the one or more profiles comprises a vibration rhythm pattern, intensity of vibration, and a duration for breath training, and operate the vibratory motor based on an active profile of the one or more profiles, wherein the vibratory motor generates vibration pulses at predefined intervals based on the vibration rhythm pattern of the active profile; an up button and a down button protrude from the housing and are operably coupled to the controller, wherein the up button and the down button are configured to modify the active profile of the one or more profiles, and a battery encased within the housing.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the device further comprises: a network circuitry for connecting to a network, wherein the controller is configured to: connect to an external device through the network; and receive a profile of the one or more profiles from the external device.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the network is a Bluetooth network, and the external device is a smartphone.
 10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the device further comprises: a timing circuitry encased within the housing and operably coupled to the controller, wherein the timing circuitry is configured to turn off the device based on the duration for breath training of the active profile.
 11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the device further comprises: a charging circuitry encased within the housing and configured to charge the battery.
 12. The method according to claim 7, wherein the device further comprises: a mod button protruding from the housing and operably coupled to the housing, wherein the mod button is configured to modify the intensity of vibration of the active profile.
 13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method further comprises: providing an interface on the external device; and generating the profile of the one or more profiles through the interface.
 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method further comprises: pressing the mod button; and upon pressing the mod button, pressing the up button and/or the down button for modifying the intensity of vibration of the active profile. 